New York Jets First Round Review: NFL Draft Daily

So lets just go ahead and say this, the NFL Draft Daily predicts that the New York Jets will draft a play maker in this years draft. On a more serious note, NFL Draft Daily might go as far to say that New York may draft as many as three offensive play makers in a month. Why? Because Rex Ryan’s gang green crew desperately needs them. Gone is Santonio Holmes, in comes former Denver Broncos wide receiver, Eric Decker. Besides their new acquisition, none of their wide receivers on the roster are proven commodities. Stephen Hill has yet to resolve his slippery butterfingers and injury issues; and Jeremy Kerley is best used as a situation style player, working mostly out of the slot. The Jets lack a true starting caliber tight end on the roster and their running back situation was quite lackluster, especially after spending the money to sign Chris Ivory last off season. The reports may be true that the Jets are strongly considering the speedster out of Tennessee, Chris Johnson, but that quite honestly will not solve their offensive issues.

Since offense has become quite the priority with the signings of Eric Decker, and Michael Vick; this articles destination is quite clear. There are two names swirling around the draft buzz in New York, Brandin Cooks out of Oregon State; and Eric Ebron out of U.N.C. The Jets could use a speedster like Cooks, who was the fastest wide receiver at the combine. He would provide Desean Jackson-like talent to New York and would become an instant starter opposite Eric Decker. The NFL Draft Daily thinks the opposing prospect could become a once in a decade tight end though; adjusting the NFL Draft Daily’s approach to New York. Eric Ebron is the best tight end in this class, bar none; he could even be the best tight end drafted in the last few years if he lives up to his potential. Ebron has teams buzzing about his play making ability from the tight end position, with some saying he could be even better then All Pro tight end, Vernon Davis. With wide receiver being a deep position in this draft, a player like Eric Ebron would make it really hard for the Jets to pass up.

Either way, New York has three positions they need to address before or during the draft. Running back, wide receiver, and tight end all need a look at. Decker spent his days as a number two option with the pass happy Broncos and Peyton Manning; it’ll be interesting to see if two quarterbacks like Michael Vick or Geno Smith can help Decker duplicate his recent production. The running game must improve for a Rex Ryan offense to improve, and Jeff Cumberland has shown inefficiencies as their starting tight end. The New York Jets offense must improve, they have no other option while being in the same division with a dynasty like New England.

This article is one in a series, published daily, providing analysis, insight and predictions leading up to the NFL draft and beyond.